I really don't like a lot of what is out there for kids in the 8-14 year range. This series is outstanding in that it effectively tells stories from kids' points of view. The episodes show real, thoughtful and respectful interaction between the characters and the adults they encounter, not disrespectful over-the-top behaviors and tripe that many of the networks catering to this age group are showing. My whole family (ages 58, 48, 12 and 10) LOVES it and can't wait for more episodes to be added - as we hungrily watched all that were out there already when we found it over the holidays. Thanks, Amazon, for producing something truly watchable!
30 Reviews
Seriously Impressive
neiljones198131 August 2018
There comes a point in most TV viewer's life where mainstream TV just decides it doesn't want to cater for you any longer. Either you got too old or you've finally wised up. Or you want something different.
One could be forgiven for assuming Gortimer Gibbon is presented as another run-of-the-mill children's show with an improbable plot/sequence of events and a load of incredibly irritating characters who don't talk but shout at each other across some garish looking set (ie any recent Nickelodeon production). Your worries are unfounded because in Gilbert nobody's irritating, the sets are vast majority exterior and any indoor sets are quite nice looking. And the plots are improbable (but grounded in reality) and wouldn't have been too far out of place in Eerie Indiana anyway.
While I am reminded of Eerie Indiana, Gortimer isn't quite as dark as Eerie was, not quite as surreal in various areas as Eerie was and is clearly not trying to be Eerie in new colours. Gortimer at least ties the premise and location down to a street or a specific town maybe, as opposed to Eerie which effectively suggested the entire state was off its trolley.
I hadn't realised when I first wrote this review that this show is not a series of self contained episodes, but each episode runs on after the other with references to past events. Therefore the characters develop beautifully with the programme as they absorb details of whatever happened to whichever kid this time. The three main leads are written from the off as having been best friends forever and a day and it shows here in the writing. No spoilers but the relationships of the kids are regularly tested throughout. One event in one episode in particular (I won't say which one) in any other mainstream show would have ended up in a major bust up that would typically last 90% of the episode. Here it was given something different - a beautiful heartfelt resolution that didn't take up anywhere near that amount of time.
This is not a bad little production, this is the sort of live action stuff Nickelodeon used to churn out in the 1990s, so its nice to see there is still a place for something like this. I must sum up with what creator David Anaxagoras wrote as a comment on his blog in 2016 that I agree with for this show: "I never thought of it as a kid's show. I wrote it for the kid in all of us".
One could be forgiven for assuming Gortimer Gibbon is presented as another run-of-the-mill children's show with an improbable plot/sequence of events and a load of incredibly irritating characters who don't talk but shout at each other across some garish looking set (ie any recent Nickelodeon production). Your worries are unfounded because in Gilbert nobody's irritating, the sets are vast majority exterior and any indoor sets are quite nice looking. And the plots are improbable (but grounded in reality) and wouldn't have been too far out of place in Eerie Indiana anyway.
While I am reminded of Eerie Indiana, Gortimer isn't quite as dark as Eerie was, not quite as surreal in various areas as Eerie was and is clearly not trying to be Eerie in new colours. Gortimer at least ties the premise and location down to a street or a specific town maybe, as opposed to Eerie which effectively suggested the entire state was off its trolley.
I hadn't realised when I first wrote this review that this show is not a series of self contained episodes, but each episode runs on after the other with references to past events. Therefore the characters develop beautifully with the programme as they absorb details of whatever happened to whichever kid this time. The three main leads are written from the off as having been best friends forever and a day and it shows here in the writing. No spoilers but the relationships of the kids are regularly tested throughout. One event in one episode in particular (I won't say which one) in any other mainstream show would have ended up in a major bust up that would typically last 90% of the episode. Here it was given something different - a beautiful heartfelt resolution that didn't take up anywhere near that amount of time.
This is not a bad little production, this is the sort of live action stuff Nickelodeon used to churn out in the 1990s, so its nice to see there is still a place for something like this. I must sum up with what creator David Anaxagoras wrote as a comment on his blog in 2016 that I agree with for this show: "I never thought of it as a kid's show. I wrote it for the kid in all of us".
Great Family Show
danchenk-asd13 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The show makes you laugh and has a completely different feel than any current television show. It's cute and has the feeling of a feature film, which provides the series with a sort of intimate feeling usually only seen in movies. So it's like seeing a mini movie every single episode!! The moments with the elder in the pilot is truly special, and I hope that she recurs in the future shows . The writers, crew, and cast are all very talented. The color scheme, unlike most of the shows on the air today, are very bright and rich. The storyline is great for families to watch together, and I would recommend it to any family with young kids. It's all about the message and the story telling, while being entertaining. I cannot wait for this show to be complete so I can "binge watch" the entire season. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next.
Childish, funny and entertaining
tempesteagle0016 May 2014
Okay, this maybe one of the most bizarre series I have seen its fairly amusing to watch (especially to children and I'd think adults too) as its light hearted and has a good morale behind it. Not to mention the acting is amazing unlike most new series I have seen recently and I hope it gets continued. Furthermore, it seems to be a unique series as the childlike viewpoint is rarely used apart from in two other films that I have seen so for that I rated it as 10/10. Also if you haven't seen it yet I recommend giving it a watch its not as bad as you first think as when I first saw it I thought it was just going to be childish to bother watching whereas I actually thoroughly enjoyed watching it; the unpredictable nature of it was hooking enough but the added humor was what made it brilliant. So please support this series so there can be more episode, thanks for reading. :)
A Narrative Time Machine
Drive_Home6 April 2015
After 14 episodes of the first season, I am now comfortable in saying: Gortimer is smartly written, well acted, and solidly produced.
It transports one to a simpler, happier time, while still meaningful and relevant to the younger viewers. Each episode is a stand-alone tale that evokes the mysteries of childhood and--in what seems a lost art--manages to teach poignant and valuable lessons. Some episodes are more powerful and magical than others, but each one is satisfying in its own right.
This show is one-part "Eerie, Indiana," one-part Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and one-part its own wondrous thing.
It transports one to a simpler, happier time, while still meaningful and relevant to the younger viewers. Each episode is a stand-alone tale that evokes the mysteries of childhood and--in what seems a lost art--manages to teach poignant and valuable lessons. Some episodes are more powerful and magical than others, but each one is satisfying in its own right.
This show is one-part "Eerie, Indiana," one-part Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and one-part its own wondrous thing.
Child Actors that can actually act
designroom10123 August 2014
We scour all the sources for child/youth films that are palatable,since the majority of the child actors are coaxed to act unnaturally obnoxious. We really hope that there are more of these in the series and the directors and producers can use their talent to produce some children's flicks that are actually fun to watch. Our 11 year old liked the story line. He appreciated the depth that the plot was developed. It had mystery, action, adventure and comedy. The kids seemed real and nobody overacted. I wish they had more episodes I wish that whoever made this film would make more like it, even if they are not in a series.
Nice Little Show
gabacho154 December 2014
I'm only two episodes in, so this is not a review of the full series, but I like what I see so far. The best way I could think of to describe it so far is Desperate Housewives meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid. If you watch it, that will make perfect sense. The cast is great; these kids don't get on my nerves like the kids on the dumb Disney shows that my daughter likes to watch. The plot for the pilot episode was a little ridiculous and the episode felt overly long, but the second episode had much better pacing and a much more interesting story. I'm glad that I gave the show another chance beyond that first episode, and I'm looking forward to watching the rest of the series.
New Season
divyasharma-3103422 February 2021
Pleasant Show for all ages
kssraokssrao7 September 2020
Brings back memories of those good old kids' shows..
akin2521 June 2019
I've just started watching it so may be it's a little too soon to say anything but watching this show is somewhat nostalgic. It has a touch that matches with those cute and beautiful shows of the 80s like Small Wonders, Different Strokes, Who's the Boss and Silver Spoons and a few that came a decade or so later like That's So Raven, Lizzie McGuire etc. It's a simple and beautiful show. Really enjoying it!!
Must watch
muhimc10 June 2020
Charming storyline dragged down by girl power
xpqs24 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
First season was funny with doses of magic interspersed with kids real life challenges such as the loss of a loved one.
Unfortunately it then veered off into Mary Sue land, with all the girls being the leaders, future scientists and world changers, while the boys were content to be dorks holding their coats.
How do you expect parents to respond to a show where only one half of their children are told they can succeed in the real world ?
Unfortunately it then veered off into Mary Sue land, with all the girls being the leaders, future scientists and world changers, while the boys were content to be dorks holding their coats.
How do you expect parents to respond to a show where only one half of their children are told they can succeed in the real world ?
Terrible
figmar6 March 2021
The lead actor delivers his lines haltingly as if he is a younger version of William Shatner during his Star Trek years. Hello overacting drama queen? He looks much older than his costars even though they are all supposed to be in 7th grade. His hair never moves and the overuse of guyliner, lip color, and rouge is just hilarious. That's not to say there's no talent here. I'd like to see him in an adult role. I'm laying the blame for this mess squarely on bad direction and styling.
Cannot get good! Absolutely Cooool!
forbearancepredator23 December 2020
This series is just amazing. It is a story about three best friends Gortimer, Mel and Ranger. The series is full of new and new adventures and if you like adventures, then you would love it. Great script and directing! I think it is appropriate for every age but mainly for teenagers. It teaches you about how to be a good friend and also a lot of adventures. It is the most amazing show I have ever seen. Life has ups and downs and that was really showcased in this series that there will be downs in life and you need to face it and not to be afraid. This series had taught me a lot of things like how to be a good friend and also how to face anything together and also you must be there for your friend when they need you. It teaches you a lot of life values. I recommend this series if you love adventures and also lots of comedy. I saw this twice but I don't think I will stop there, the numbers may increase. At last HATS OFF for the actors that is Gortimer Gibbons(Slone Morgan Siegel), Mel Fuller(Ashley Boettcher) and Ranger Bowen(Drew Justice). Also all the actors like Gortimer's mother, father and brother and everyone who acted. Great acting! Just Aesthetic and sensational acting. At last the ending was really touching and emotional. You must really see that and you might even get real tears from your eyes like me. It was really emotional and heartbreaking. I also got some real tears.
But absolutely great and loved it! Highly recommended!!!
But absolutely great and loved it! Highly recommended!!!
Loved it! It's the perfect mix of fantasy and real emotions.
Nana-marie7 October 2019
This series completely took me by surprise. These three kids go on unbelievable adventures that make you think and dream about the teenage years in the best way possible. The stories have amazing underlying messages for the younger audience. The characters are expressive and positive, but can show real emotions when needed.
I just loved it, the cast was amazing!
I just loved it, the cast was amazing!
One of the best Web Series
grooti22 August 2020
When I started watching this series I didn't expect that this web series is going to be one of my favorite web series for all time.Everything (storyline,Acting, Editing)in this series is amazing great bla bla bla bla.One special thing about this web series I liked very very much is- Theme music,It was so nice,calm.I watched this series in hindi dubbed language(p.s- I am from India) and I can say hindi dubbing quality is also great.If You want to build a better personality then this is a must watch web series.This series has everything- fun,drama, adventure,Moral lesson in each episode.
Final Verdict- Please Watch this Don't skip this masterpiece.
A show with a heart
me-5756017 October 2017
This is a type of show that you could say is rare now a days. It is quite family friendly and fun. But it definitely has a heart. You feel how the characters grow up and makes you miss your old friends too. I would've liked if it continued for another season but how they did they ending is quite outstanding. Everything just gets real. The acting is OK but the storytelling in terms of the writing is well done. Great show! They should make more shows like this. Family friendly and light hearted. A must watch!
Strangely Enchanting
AngelsAngel4 April 2016
When I 1st saw the commercial for this show, I was thinking cheesy name, cheesy plot, another Disney/family channel dud they produce these days, but then I decided to watch the premiere, just to see, give it a chance and I was surprised. I don't know why, but it just drew me in, it was strangely mystifying and no matter how totally not normal it was, it felt... real. The filming style wasn't like an ordinary show, it was more like a real setting, but not in a bad way, it adds to its character, and then the kids themselves, they're... real... I don't know how else to describe it, they're not the annoying obnoxious stupid kids from most family channel shows, they're clever, they're curious, they act like they are kids growing up in this strange world and learning to deal with different struggles in a spooky yet fun, almost enchanting way. They're genuine characters with genuine personalities and are easier to relate to, yet they still give that air of humour just not over the top. The only way to know what I mean is to watch it for yourself, I can't describe the feeling it gives me, but it makes you think. It's fun, their are interesting situations that are magical, but not crazy overwhelming, it's a spark of childhood magic, I guess. The show also showcases stories in a variety of different animations and it's interesting to see the different styles in each episode, but also the music, I love the music. It's so slow, calm, catchy, spooky, enchanting. Watch this show and I think you'll see what I mean, I don't think you'll regret it, and if you do, 22 minutes isn't that long... but they still manage to fit in a story that feels like it should be a movie.
A lovely family show
grnhair200115 July 2016
A show that straddles reality and fantasy, it appealed to this adult, too. The fantasy comes in two packages: the first is that there is magic in this small town, mostly in misbehaving artifacts. The second fantasy is that it is a multicultural, poverty-free small town where everyone treats each other decently. It is not the real world, but it is the world I think we all wish we could inhabit.
While there is magic, there is plenty of science too, and science always trumps magic in the show. I was especially delighted that it is the girls who are whizzes at math and science. The boys are pleasant, funny, and have their own talents. The parents are loving, but also flawed, and with agendas of their own.
Emotional topics are brought to the fore a couple times, particularly issues of grief. But comedy reigns....comedy and a good heart.
Nice work from the kid actors, and I'm keeping an eye on David Bloom, who played one of the recurring secondary roles. I saw real depth and range in him.
I'll miss the kids of Normal Street. When Amazon gets it right, as they often do, they excel.
While there is magic, there is plenty of science too, and science always trumps magic in the show. I was especially delighted that it is the girls who are whizzes at math and science. The boys are pleasant, funny, and have their own talents. The parents are loving, but also flawed, and with agendas of their own.
Emotional topics are brought to the fore a couple times, particularly issues of grief. But comedy reigns....comedy and a good heart.
Nice work from the kid actors, and I'm keeping an eye on David Bloom, who played one of the recurring secondary roles. I saw real depth and range in him.
I'll miss the kids of Normal Street. When Amazon gets it right, as they often do, they excel.
Watched it with my dad
ad-2662118 April 2018
Release Season 3
rohanrahul-355561 May 2020
Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street A Memorable Classic
sriharish-5704827 August 2020
#Gortimer was Classic to me 😍
It was so much fun, happy, entertaining, lovely, enjoyable, memorable and inspiring too!
This is my story of #GGLONS!
How I have to start ? Where it all started from?
Actually Gortimer was the my first English web series, during lockdown. I watched first episode of the show but that time I am not realized how amazing this was. I skipped the show.Later, from last month I restarted watching , then I known what I missed.
Every episode was well designed with interesting concept. Each episode teached me great life lessons. Every episode was unique and inspiring! And also so much fun and lot of emotions!It was such a beautiful show 😍
Every Character in the series has it's own importance! Everyone gave there 100% efforts and best performances.
@sloanesiegel as Gortimer , Fantastic Performance. You're really nice performer as your character. Mostly you did all the emotions.fun , happy,sad , emotional ,cool and what not! As a great friend, as a son , as a citizen,You did fabulous job charming boy!
@BoettcherAshley as Mel , Brilliant Performance. Stong Acting, very supportive. you're the Most important character in the story. Mostly you lived in the character! As a friend,as a daughter ,as a student you did amazing job scientist!
@DrewJustice01 as Ranger, Rocking Performance. Without your presence the show was so much boring may be. You did Great performance weirdo. As a friend, As a son, As a Player you did great job lifesaver!
@coco_grayson as Abigail , you're really pretty angel. As a crush you stole our hearts. Beautiful performance heart throber! Now you're my crush too!
@ChandlerLKinney Catherine, you're the finest performer. As a friend ,student, sister, You did your best Dillman!
David bloom as Stanley, the rockstar super performance. Ranger and Stanley was Great combination 🤓 Stanley and Catherine too😂😂
@RobynLively As Claire Gibbon, Fantastic Performance as World best mother!
Each and every one in the show given there best performance!
I felt Normal Street was real and the people too. Everything Normal ... But Now Not!
Gortimer Gibbons Life On Normal Street was not just a TV show, it was a great memory to me. I attached with the show,it was closer to my Heart 💓
Eagarly waiting for upcoming seasons thanks to writer, director and especially Amazon and other all technicians on the team!
It was so much fun, happy, entertaining, lovely, enjoyable, memorable and inspiring too!
This is my story of #GGLONS!
How I have to start ? Where it all started from?
Actually Gortimer was the my first English web series, during lockdown. I watched first episode of the show but that time I am not realized how amazing this was. I skipped the show.Later, from last month I restarted watching , then I known what I missed.
Every episode was well designed with interesting concept. Each episode teached me great life lessons. Every episode was unique and inspiring! And also so much fun and lot of emotions!It was such a beautiful show 😍
Every Character in the series has it's own importance! Everyone gave there 100% efforts and best performances.
@sloanesiegel as Gortimer , Fantastic Performance. You're really nice performer as your character. Mostly you did all the emotions.fun , happy,sad , emotional ,cool and what not! As a great friend, as a son , as a citizen,You did fabulous job charming boy!
@BoettcherAshley as Mel , Brilliant Performance. Stong Acting, very supportive. you're the Most important character in the story. Mostly you lived in the character! As a friend,as a daughter ,as a student you did amazing job scientist!
@DrewJustice01 as Ranger, Rocking Performance. Without your presence the show was so much boring may be. You did Great performance weirdo. As a friend, As a son, As a Player you did great job lifesaver!
@coco_grayson as Abigail , you're really pretty angel. As a crush you stole our hearts. Beautiful performance heart throber! Now you're my crush too!
@ChandlerLKinney Catherine, you're the finest performer. As a friend ,student, sister, You did your best Dillman!
David bloom as Stanley, the rockstar super performance. Ranger and Stanley was Great combination 🤓 Stanley and Catherine too😂😂
@RobynLively As Claire Gibbon, Fantastic Performance as World best mother!
Each and every one in the show given there best performance!
I felt Normal Street was real and the people too. Everything Normal ... But Now Not!
Gortimer Gibbons Life On Normal Street was not just a TV show, it was a great memory to me. I attached with the show,it was closer to my Heart 💓
Eagarly waiting for upcoming seasons thanks to writer, director and especially Amazon and other all technicians on the team!
love this show
marinamaru10 May 2021
Love it
agam-848511 June 2017
This series is one of the best series that I ever seen! A very strong brotherhood legacy and really without any type of violence in all the episode! That's great! This series is very emotional and is a big inspiration for me. I'm studying film scoring and i like write stories with word but also with music and this series is powerful for extend the imagination! I'm 20 😁
It's the best!
whyisaravenlikeawritingdesk29 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street. A long-winded title for a cheesy ridiculous show, right? WRONG. Well, the title is definitely long-winded, but the show is something you do not want to miss.
*Contains Spoilers*
I am an older teenager who started watching this out of boredom, but I got sucked in and ended up watching every single episode. And then watched them all again. The series is sweet, calmly funny, weird, and it made me cry. THREE TIMES. "Gortimer Gets Shushed" was the first, then "Mel vs. the Future", and "Gortimer vs. the End", mainly because once you get to that point, even though you've watched 39 episodes, you don't want it to end. You want them to stay kids on Normal Street forever. But the whole point, especially the last two seasons, is growing up.
Some things that parents should be aware of: There's one brief part where they try to use a Ouija board to contact a "ghost", but it all comes right in the end. There is a (again, very brief) passing mention of "Tom and Dylan's wedding, and a part where they use meditation to get into Mel's brain. There's one kiss on the lips between two teenage characters, but it's very quick and mild. However, the worst word they use is "heck" and that's only once. So zero bad language.
And the list of good things is so much longer! The actors are all stellar, they fit their characters so well and have great chemistry. And the characters themselves are awesome. First, of course, Gortimer. One thing I found hilarious is that at one point he says he's thankful his parents didn't name him Onion. That's right, Gortimer, look on the bright side. He's kind, reasonable, friendly, brave, and pretty much a cinnamon roll. Mel, his best friend, is a genius who loves science and being busy and involved in everything at school. She's outgoing and competitive, and cheerful. Ranger, Gortimer's other best friend, is awesome. He loves ninjas, baking, and basketball, and will go to great lengths to make someone's day better. He's a bit more practical than the other two. They all are very loyal to each other, and great friends.
I really liked "The Mystery of Marlow Mansion", it's kind of a Clue parody, with a genuine plot twist. And seeing the kids all playing different characters was very fun. "Mel vs. the Future" and the very end of "Ranger and the Fabled Flower of Normal Street" were pretty sad, but good. A parent may want to watch it first and decide if their child can handle it, because it deals with death of a parent.
Now I bet you've been needing something like say, a Fork of Destiny? How about a boy that starts turning into a bug, or maybe he becomes a black hole? Maybe some kids who find a pocket dimension, or get to walk in someone else's shoes. Literally. Normal Street is a place that, as Gortimer says, is anything but normal, yet somehow this show feels... well, normal. Behind all the oddball situations it feels so real, I guess maybe like the way it was when I was littler. Like childhood.
*Contains Spoilers*
I am an older teenager who started watching this out of boredom, but I got sucked in and ended up watching every single episode. And then watched them all again. The series is sweet, calmly funny, weird, and it made me cry. THREE TIMES. "Gortimer Gets Shushed" was the first, then "Mel vs. the Future", and "Gortimer vs. the End", mainly because once you get to that point, even though you've watched 39 episodes, you don't want it to end. You want them to stay kids on Normal Street forever. But the whole point, especially the last two seasons, is growing up.
Some things that parents should be aware of: There's one brief part where they try to use a Ouija board to contact a "ghost", but it all comes right in the end. There is a (again, very brief) passing mention of "Tom and Dylan's wedding, and a part where they use meditation to get into Mel's brain. There's one kiss on the lips between two teenage characters, but it's very quick and mild. However, the worst word they use is "heck" and that's only once. So zero bad language.
And the list of good things is so much longer! The actors are all stellar, they fit their characters so well and have great chemistry. And the characters themselves are awesome. First, of course, Gortimer. One thing I found hilarious is that at one point he says he's thankful his parents didn't name him Onion. That's right, Gortimer, look on the bright side. He's kind, reasonable, friendly, brave, and pretty much a cinnamon roll. Mel, his best friend, is a genius who loves science and being busy and involved in everything at school. She's outgoing and competitive, and cheerful. Ranger, Gortimer's other best friend, is awesome. He loves ninjas, baking, and basketball, and will go to great lengths to make someone's day better. He's a bit more practical than the other two. They all are very loyal to each other, and great friends.
I really liked "The Mystery of Marlow Mansion", it's kind of a Clue parody, with a genuine plot twist. And seeing the kids all playing different characters was very fun. "Mel vs. the Future" and the very end of "Ranger and the Fabled Flower of Normal Street" were pretty sad, but good. A parent may want to watch it first and decide if their child can handle it, because it deals with death of a parent.
Now I bet you've been needing something like say, a Fork of Destiny? How about a boy that starts turning into a bug, or maybe he becomes a black hole? Maybe some kids who find a pocket dimension, or get to walk in someone else's shoes. Literally. Normal Street is a place that, as Gortimer says, is anything but normal, yet somehow this show feels... well, normal. Behind all the oddball situations it feels so real, I guess maybe like the way it was when I was littler. Like childhood.
See also
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